Is gastric ulcer contagious?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

Updated on September 21, 2024

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Gastric ulcers are lesions that occur in the gastric mucosa. Ulcer disease is not contagious, therefore it does not transmit from person to person. Most gastric ulcers are caused by an infection of Helicobacter pylori, which damages the protective barrier of the gastric mucosa, and ulcers arise under the stimulation of gastric acid. The principles of treatment mainly involve eradicating Helicobacter pylori, suppressing gastric acid secretion, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Additionally, dietary control is important, including eating more vegetables and fruits, consuming less spicy and irritating foods, and paying attention to regular and measured meal times.

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Written by Wang Li Wei

Gastroenterology

44sec

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How long should you fast if you have a bleeding gastric ulcer?

Primarily, it depends on whether the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding has ceased, the patient shows no signs of vomiting blood, and their gastrointestinal symptoms in the abdomen are slightly improving, generally, they can gradually start eating after about two days. If the patient still experiences vomiting of blood, or has black stools, increased frequency of bowel movements, heartburn, or if a gastroscopy confirms that the bleeding vessels from the gastric ulcer are relatively large, the duration of fasting might be comparatively longer. Therefore, the duration of fasting for a gastric ulcer bleed mainly depends on whether there is active bleeding in the patient.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 16sec

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What should I do if I have a stomach ulcer?

Gastric ulcers are generally treated with internal medicine medications in clinical settings, primarily through oral medications. Patients may select from antacid and stomach-protecting drugs for a course of 6-8 weeks, after which most ulcers can be healed. It is advised that patients eat clean, easily digestible foods, and avoid intake of spicy, stimulative, and pickled foods, as well as foods like raw fish and strong coffee. If the patient has a habit of drinking alcohol, it is advised to abstain from alcohol for these two months. It is also important to focus on resting and maintaining adequate sleep. Gastric ulcers are relatively common in clinical settings and generally improve with active treatment. Patients typically seek treatment for abdominal pain or complications, with the pain usually manifesting as upper abdominal pain. The most common complication is gastrointestinal bleeding, presenting as vomiting blood or bloody stools. Therefore, it is recommended that patients experiencing such discomfort should actively seek a comprehensive gastroscopy examination.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

48sec

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What are the symptoms of gastric ulcer bleeding?

Gastric ulcer bleeding is a relatively common complication that is directly related to the amount of bleeding. Minor bleeding can result in positive fecal occult blood and black stools without other systemic symptoms. More severe cases can cause major bleeding, manifesting as vomiting blood or dark red blood in the stool, accompanied by symptoms of anemia. For minor bleeding, proton pump inhibitors and endoscopic hemostasis can be used. If the bleeding is more severe, interventional or surgical treatment options may be considered. It is important to maintain a regular diet, relax, and reduce mental stress for the patient. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

45sec

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Causes of gastric ulcer

It is currently believed that Helicobacter pylori infection is closely related to gastritis activity, ulcer formation, and tumors. Therefore, the main cause of gastric ulcers is the infection of Helicobacter pylori. Other factors, such as drugs, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid medications, often lead to gastric mucosal damage and result in peptic ulcers. Psychological factors, such as long-term excessive tension or high stress, often lead to peptic ulcers as well. Poor dietary and living habits, such as excessive drinking, consuming raw, irritating, greasy food, or binge eating, also promote the occurrence of peptic ulcers.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

52sec

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Nursing measures for gastric ulcer bleeding

Gastric ulcer bleeding is quite common clinically. If the bleeding is severe, it can cause vomiting of blood. At this time, it is important to promptly clear the respiratory tract secretions, maintain oral cleanliness and hygiene, and prevent aspiration. For elderly people who are bedridden long-term, in nursing work, it is important to prevent pressure ulcers and the formation of deep vein thrombosis, by frequently patting the patient's back, moving their lower limbs, and wiping their lower back skin. The bleeding caused by the ulcer may cause the patient to panic. At this time, psychological care should be strengthened, communicate more with the patient, conduct counseling, try to avoid excessive agitation of the patient, and then actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment.